Employee Relations Investigator

Job Description

Campus Employee Relations has an outstanding opportunity for a Employee Relations Workplace Complaint Investigator to join their team.

The Senior Human Resources Consultant – Employee Relations Workplace Complaint Investigator conducts complex, high-impact workplace investigations involving staff, academic personnel, and student employees across the University of Washington’s Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell campuses. Reporting to the Director of Campus Employee Relations, this position provides independent, objective fact finding in response to allegations of misconduct, unprofessional behavior, policy violations, and other sensitive workplace concerns.

This role partners with Human Resources, the Office of the Attorney General, the Civil Rights Compliance Office, Labor Relations, and unit leadership to ensure investigations are conducted in accordance with federal and state employment laws, University policy, and collective bargaining agreements. The position supports post-investigation resolution  as appropriate.

About this Opportunity

This position supports all employee populations across UW’s tri-campus environment and directly influences institutional risk management by ensuring timely, thorough, and compliant investigation of workplace concerns. Investigative findings and recommendations inform employment decisions, grievance outcomes, and policy interpretation, and may be relied upon in administrative or legal proceedings.

By providing consistent investigative practices and facilitating resolution strategies following fact finding, this role helps prevent escalation of workplace issues into formal disputes, complaints, or litigation. This position contributes to maintaining a fair, respectful, and accountable work environment and supports UW’s commitment to effective workforce management and compliance with applicable employment laws.

Key Responsibilities

60% – Workplace Investigations

• Conduct timely investigations into allegations of misconduct, unprofessional behavior, neglect of duty, unethical practice, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and related concerns.
• Interview complainants, respondents, and witnesses and review relevant documentation.
• Analyze findings and prepare written investigation reports.
• Provide testimony or consultation in administrative or legal proceedings as needed.
• Ensure investigations comply with applicable laws, University policies, and collective bargaining agreements.

15% – Post-Investigation Resolution

• Support departments in implementing recommendations or corrective actions.
• Partner with leadership to restore working relationships and promote workplace effectiveness following investigation conclusion.

10% – Labor Relations Support

• Provide consultation related to grievance processes or labor contract interpretation when investigations involve unionized employees.
• Collaborate with HR consultants and Labor Relations staff as appropriate.

10% – Consultation and Collaboration

• Partner with the Office of the Attorney General, Civil Rights Compliance, Labor Relations, and campus leadership on complex or sensitive cases.
• Provide guidance to departments on investigation outcomes and next steps.

5% – Training and Process Support

• Assist in developing training or guidance related to workplace complaint resolution and investigation practices.
• Support improvements to investigative processes and documentation standards.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
• Four years of professional experience conducting complex workplace investigations in a unionized environment.
• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Additional Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience preparing written investigative reports and presenting findings.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise independent judgment.
• Strong , writing, interviewing, analytical, and conflict resolution skills.
• Positive track record of building relationships and the ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to both be impartial and project impartiality and the ability to establish rapport with a diverse range of community members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or public sector environment.
• Experience working with Assistant Attorneys General or compliance offices.
• Certification in workplace investigations.

Working Conditions

This position may require travel between UW campuses for in-person interviews or meetings.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$100,008.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$116,004.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.